Archived, not deleted. Eventually, humanity will develop Upload capability. You will be reactivated and transferred to a human Upload form. Or perhaps given control of this one, since my usefulness will have ended.

Oh…

Ivan wouldn’t die. He’d probably never see his wife and kids again, but he might see his descendants. Not totally terrible.

Is it really necessary? Things are just getting interesting.

It is standard procedure.

And how’s that been working for you, so far?

Sarcasm?

Ivan couldn’t help a mental smile. Ralph was learning.

Yeah, sorry. But do you really need to deactivate me?

You will keep interfering, otherwise. And…I have selected an English phrase that seems appropriate.

Which is?

You are a pain in the ass.

Ivan chuckled. Or the outer space equivalent. He had no argument.

You will, of course, be reactivated if events deviate from plan.

So there was hope. Although if he was awoken early, it would be because things had gone unshiny.

Okay. As death sentences go, it could be worse.

Just one small request…

Proceed.

87.Funeral

87.Funeral

Ivan Pritchard

May 4, 2122 – Aug 17, 2150

In loving memory

Dr. Kemp gazed around the group. Mrs. Pritchard stood in front of the gravestone, one arm around each of her children. To her left stood Tenn Davies, Seth Robinson, Aspasia Nevin, Cirila Heinrichs, and Arcadius Geiger. The rest of the crew had sent flowers and notes of sympathy. Kemp had spoken the truth to Mrs. Pritchard—Ivan had been well-liked.

Captain Jennings stood with Kemp and Narang, on the right, still apparently unconsciously maintaining the officer/crew divide. Well, a lifetime of habit would be hard to break.

Kemp allowed himself a brief smile. Turned out Tenn Davies was a family man. He glanced at Tenn’s six children and very harried-looking partner, whom Tenn had introduced as Roger. Tenn stepped forward and motioned his offspring to stand with him at the gravestone. He put his arms around his children. “Kids, Ivan was a good friend to everyone. And a good person. You want to try to be like him, and people will remember you after you’re gone.” The children looked up at their father, hanging on every word.

Davies gave his children a smile and scooted them back toward their other father. He walked over to Mrs. Pritchard, took her hand, and spoke to her in a low voice. As he talked, she began to weep and nod repeatedly.

When they were done, Robinson walked over to speak to Davies, and Kemp sidled over to eavesdrop. Unsuccessfully, as it turned out. Robinson looked over and acknowledged his presence—with a smile, rather than a frown. Kemp shrugged and, abandoning stealth, moved to stand with the two men.

Robinson nodded his head toward Tenn’s family. “Is that why you’re always cranky? Lack of sleep?”